Press release
In the incomparable setting of La Lonja de la Seda (The Silk Exchange) the programme of activities to mark the anniversary of the birth of modern chess in Valencia was presented with great anticipation. The revolution of the rules - that are still valid today - took place in Valencia during its Golden Age.
The programme was presented by Luis Cervera, the Generalitat's Director General for Sport, Paula Llobet, the councillor for Tourism, Innovation and Investment, Francisco Javier Ochoa, the president of FEDA, Emilio González, the president of the FACV, Basilio López, the president of the Valencia Cradle of Chess foundation, and Mª Ángeles Vidal, the managing director of the municipal sports foundation.
Mª Ángeles Vidal, who hosted the event, stressed the importance of Valencia's contributions to the creation and dissemination of the new rules. She recalled the work of the FDM in bringing chess to the youngest children through the Esports al Barri project, which is run in municipal sports schools. It is worth mentioning that she has been personally committed to spreading this transcendental Valencian legacy for many years.
Basilio López highlighted the work of various authors in more than three decades of study and research, highlighting the work of José A. Garzón. He recalled that the new rules contained in the poem Scachs d'amor (Valencia, around 1475) were later published in the book by Francesch Vicent de Segorb, printed in Valencia on 15 May 1495. He reminded us that the game then became popular and ushered in the modern age of chess, in which millions of games are played every day with Valencian rules.
José Luis Moreno made a nod to the emblematic venue of the presentation, La Lonja, a contemporary of the introduction of modern chess and its protagonists: Bernat Fenollar, Narcís Vinyoles and Francí de Castellví. He highlighted the beautiful title of the poem Scachs d'amor, the emotional union of chess and love. He also recalled the other great milestone: 20 years later, in Valencia and in the Valencian language, the first modern chess book was published: Llibre dels jochs partits dels scachs en nombre de 100. Everything happens in Valencia and in the Valencian language.
Paula Llobet emphasised that the event was presented at FITUR, and recalled that the programme of events pays tribute to the historical role of our city in the development and expansion of a sport that transcends borders and generations. Valencia, she said, will be one big chess board during 2025.
Emilio González highlighted all the activities planned for this year, highlighting the Valencia Cuna del Ajedrez International Open, which will be held at the UPV from the 5th to the 13th of July, with the presence of numerous international graduates, complemented by the Desafío a la Ciega and simultaneous performances by the famous Rey Enigma.
Javier Ochoa pointed out the importance of the new rules created in Valencia and their continued relevance today. Recalling that the most outstanding feature of the great Valencian revolution was the new power given to the queen, he also outlined other important changes such as the introduction of the modern bishop, the right of the pawns to move two squares when moving first, the king's jump (precursor to castling) and the new pawn promotion. Innovation and relevance.
Luis Cervera emphasised the importance of chess as a sport, with numerous players all over the world. Recalling the important Valencian legacy, which endures to this day, he pointed out that it is probably our greatest contribution to the sport from an international perspective.
La Lonja de la Seda is a Gothic masterpiece in the historic centre of the city of Valencia and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996
Throughout the year, chess will be in the spotlight with tournaments, travelling exhibitions, publications, conferences, etc. Among the outstanding events, in addition to the aforementioned International Open, are the simultaneous display by the Spanish champion Sabrina Vega on 23 February, as part of the Women in Chess Conference; the visit of the legendary World Champion Viswanathan Anand on 15 and 16 May; and the Fundación Valencia Cuna International Tournament from 28 July to 3 August.
In short, an intense year for all Valencians to enjoy, remembering our great contribution to the history of chess: the birth and international spread of modern chess.
Video produced by Visit Valencia
Programme
